Provisional entries for the second round of the 2011 American Le Mans Series at Long Beach are now available and, as the first ALMS round outside of the ILMC, grid numbers have dropped significantly.

As expected, the prototype ranks were most significantly affected. The (albeit anticipated) omission of series regulars Highcroft, Intersport, and AutoCon, leaving the LMP field in an ailing state, with only four (2x LMP1, 2x LMP2) entries between the two categories.

Long time series stalwarts, Robertson Racing will not compete at the event. As first time Le Mans competitors in 2011, the team and its pair of Doran Ford GT chassis, will be required to attend the Le Mans test day on April, 24. Logistical difficulties have prevented the squad from participating at Longbeach.

Provisional entry listings for the 13th running of the annual Petit Le Mans classic, the second round of the inaugural Intercontinental Cup, have now been released. As expected LMP numbers have increased to a respectable twelve entries. The field including entries from both Audi and Peugeot. Despite expressing interest during the early races of the series, the grid is devoid of any factory AMR presence.

In the LMP2 category the championship battle is still very much alive. With Highcroft only possessing a marginal points lead over rivals, Cytosport, series honours remain a possibility for both squads. Despite rumours indicating the addition of several European privateer teams, OAK Racing remains the only Le Mans Series participant to commit an entry.

Although lacking in international flavour, additional entries and the appearance of new faces boost the GT category to its most healthy state in recent years. Additional entries from both Robertson Racing and JaguarRSR, along with the appearance of the ACS Doran Ford GT and the eagerly anticipated Panoz Abruzzi entry of PTG will see the GT category sporting a field of 17 entries.

Round seven of the 2010 American Le Mans series saw a resurgence of power in both LMP and GT categories. DraysonRacing achieved victory at the hands of young-ace, Johnny Cocker. Cocker’s last lap heroics enabled the team to take their maiden steps in victory lane. Podium finishes for both Cytosport and Highcroft entries ensure the championship race remains in contention.

In the GT category it was all about BMW and Rahal Letterman Racing. After a season of successful finishes, the team managed their first victory of the 2010 season courtesy of Dirk Müller and Joey Hand. Finishing a close second to the #90 BMW squad, Flying Lizard #45 extended their championship lead over rivals, Risi Competizione to a margin of eighteen points (previously eight).

Entry listings for round four of the Le Mans series have now been released. The series heads to the Hungaroring for the first time, bearing a replenished 39 car field.

Notable additions include the re-appearance of the Beechdean Mansell squad in LMP1, along with resurgence of the LMP2 field with RacingBox, RacePerformance, Pegasus, and KSM outfits having all committed entries.